The Return [P]

[ashbaer]

Izybel & Teival

The barren waste of a marsh land lay just ahead, it wasn't very appealing these days though once in early days the area was fresh and new with the smell of blood on the wind, a body or two could be found on the outskirts, and the pride that lived there had once been filled with vicious, cruel, murderous beings that kept the fields of Stygian Fierte lively and deadly at the same time.

Heavy steps fell to the moist ground leaving large indents that filled up with water seeping in from the ground. There was no missing the large being, painted in deep ebony and scarlet the male made for an intimidating sight as he pushed through reeds that barely hide his structure. The sun would catch his scarlet mane every so often making the deep color shine like freshly drawn blood, that same scarlet laced his legs, through his ears and lastly the tip of the tail. Underneath that black coat rolled lean muscles of agility, speed and strength, each step heavy yet quiet.

Teival hadn't been on homeland since his cub life cycle, and now, he was a full adult wreaking of death, young spirit, and the unpredictable. Slowly he moved from the reeds and walked a straight path to the pillars that once marked the thrones. If he could make it there, then he would know for sure that no one was here on Stygian Fierte. Though his ears were back Teival feared nothing and walked with such confidence one would take his presence as a challenge.

In no time his long legs brought him to cracked thrones that didn't look so empowering now, and as he stood eyeing them with no interest he was reassured no one would be showing up. With that thought he relaxed just enough to look the way he came, tail high and lashing the air as if to signal someone. It took a moment but in a few seconds a lighter feline was breaking through the reeds.

She came quickly at an offbeat limp, the sun making her gray pelt look just a bit lighter, but it shined offer her red mane of hair just as it did Teivals. Her black markings were highlighted under the mud and dried blood that marred her body. Soon enough Izybel was next to Teival, her nostrils flaring and holding her paw above ground as it had swollen again that day. Izybel looked up at her brother who was only a head an a half taller then herself, her pink eyes tired and heavy.

"What now?" She asked nudging him to get his attention.

Teival took a moment to scan the area again then looked at his sister, they had been moving for such a long time with little breaks and he knew Izybel was tired, probably hungry and was defiantly hurting. It was due time for a break anyway, he could hunt while she rested, didn't look like they would have guests anytime soon.

"We'll stay the night, figure things out in the morning," he said, personally he wasn't sure what they would do. "You should probably rest though, I can hunt tonight."

Izybel nodded, she was to tired to argue, flicking her tail she moved to claim one of the throne platforms as her own, laying down on the cool, cracked stone she set about grooming herself focusing most on her paw. Teival stood for a moment watching her, a heavy weight falling into his gut before he looked away and at the towering dens before him. He was considering on searching the dens when the breeze blew tickling his nose and leaving an oddly familiar smell there. Moving away from Izybel he headed to the water source just a walks away wondering if he could thinking right or if he was just tired as well.

[LAD]

Yasha Pierce Nemo

The white 'ess had been watching from her perch in her old den. She stared at the two felines as they settled upon old Stygian Fierte's thrown. She had no qualms with letting them rest, for while those felines were bigger - they were also very very familiar to her. Those color pelts, those manes. One from her mate. The other from the leader she'd sworn to hell a million times over and still cared deeply about.

She had not loved Deimus but she did hold a great respect for him after all the time she spent under his command. She had seem every single old member of Stygian grow and mature, she adored them all. Back to the figures before her - by the time the majority of her children had split they had been teenagers and had left at the fall of the pride. She knew these two anywhere. She had tried with Izyebel, but she knew she had failed.

Standing, she left the cover of her den, her pelt white as snow, her under fur blood red as well as her mane, and her bright amber eyes looked over the two more so as she approached them. 'My my. How our young have grown. We've seen so many lately. Seems like they are all returning to their Queen.' Yasha's ears flicked, she had not heard that voice in many, many moons. Her lovely demon, who had worked so hard with her to keep her sane. The small quirk of her lips did not last long. 'Aye. It may be as you have said. I have missed you.' 'Don't get sentimental on me Yasha, deary. It was never your forte.'

None the less the short 'ess padded forward. "Izyebel. Teival. For what reasons have you come all the way back here? she spoke, pausing a safe distance away. She had approached them slowly enough that they would have noticed it. But she would have definitely been the first to speak as she slowly flicked her tail, head held high. And a smile crossed her face, a genuine one.

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Next post will be with Yasbi - Jericho of course don't be apart of this sadly lol I may even post Kardei

[ashbaer]

Izybel & Teival

Teival was the first to catch wind of his mother, ears flicking up right he turned his head just as she walked out to the lip where they could see her in all her phantom glory, her white pelt just as bleached as it ever was. The corner of his mouth twitched in the slightest of smiles, though he was tired from their travel he would have showed more enthusiasm. Her ton was also a bit of a reminder that he wasn't a cub anymore, a full adult, he wrinkled his nose at her question, a smart ass remark in his head but he bit his tongue.

Her question made Izybel flinch, curling her tail around herself and looking away from her mother. She was ashamed, only now carrying guilt and the knowledge that her mother had always been right, if only she had listened more. Their return was her fault, Izy had lost control of herself letting Hazar take control and go on a rampage. It was only because of Teival that they were even here today. She wasn't ready for her mother to hear the story, but she knew Teival was already working on tattling.

"To see you of course Mother," he answered after a second, his voice was deep, coming from his chest, a familiar baritone that once boomed around Stygian. "And because Izybel needs your help. But I would like to discuss that later perhaps, we should spend the day as a reunion, it's been a rather long time after all Mother"

Izybel remained silent, she was going to return to nursing her paw when she decided to get up and join Teival on the ground and look up at their mother. There was going to be a lecture later on, she knew it, she could feel it in her bones. It was funny, but with all her nerves shaking there wasn't a sign of Hazar anyway. Maybe the sight of Yasha had sent him to his room to be quiet. Finally.

[LAD]

No coding - phone is hard x.x

Yasha Pierce Neko. Yasbi Neko. Kardei Kain.

Yasha walked up to them both, raised one paw and one at a time, wrapped the leg around Teival first then Izyebel. She held them close, and gave them each a swift nuzzle before she stepped back. Age had changed her opinion on a lot of things, as well as new knowledge from her own demon over the months, but one thing was for certain was that she loved her kids. Always would and she couldn't be any happier to see them regardless of what made them seek her out. Tilting her head, she looked Izyebel over, she could feel the difference within her daughter. Something drastic had happened to her, Yasha could tell, but she would nor argue with Teival, "Of course. We can discuss what happened later on - as long as you both are alright is my only concern," Her gaze dropped down to Izy's paw as she said that, and she looked up questioning at them both for a moment. "But no matter - yet. How are you two?" Then Yasha's attention pulled away to something behind her two kids. And she tilted her head curiously as a dark beast towered over a light gray ess, the two had begun to snarl at one another.

"Family reunion indeed Teival." She muttered softly before raising her head up. "Hey!" Her tone was demanding a bit, and both understood the implications of such a tone as the snarling stopped, and a pair of amber and pink eyes looked up at her. "The both of you, come here."

With a last glare they walked over to Yasha, and she smiled at them each. "Yasbi, I'm sure you remember your siblings?" The light gray 'ess froze as she took in their appearance, then promptly lunged forward. "Izy! Teival!" She didn't push into them, but she did slip between the two and brush against them both. "Its been so long! How are you?" She grinned at them both, then looked at Yasha. "And how do you know that guy?" She whipped her tail to the guy who glared and moved to Yasha's side.

Yasha spoke before he could though, "He's Deimus' and Karenza's kid. His name is Kardei, he's been with me here for a while now." She twitched her ears, a big signal saying 'be civil' passing from the one motion. "Kardei these are my kids."



Kinda a sucky post x.x

[ashbaer]

Izybel & Teival

Both relaxed at Yasha's gesture, both pleased that their mother was understanding and not demanding answers that instant. They both felt equally bad for leaving those some years ago, and without frequent visits they both knew their parents would be worried sick. Well, Teival knew Yasha and Bixbi would be, as for Deimus, that old dead bastard probably couldn't care less about his lower offspring. The thought made Teival frown deeply as he tried to remember if at all his birth father had ever showed him some sort of affection and for the life of him couldn't remember.

Teival gave his mother a smile, it was a charming thing, his eyes bright with life and that dark face seemed to lighten a shade. The male may look like his brute of a father but his personality was far from the typical Kain or even Neko styles. "We're fine, a bit tired from traveling, saw a lot of different things that's for sure."

Izybel was amazed at her brother's switch of moods, just five minutes ago he had stalked onto the territory as if he were a young stud ready to claim anyone or anything, and now he looked as eager as a cub to tell his mother about all that he explored. His warm mood soothed out her worries and though her smile wasn't as welcoming as his, she did smile at her mother and nodded in agreement to Teival."It was enjoyable for most parts, met a few rogues that seemed determined to take Teival with them." She teased nudging Teival hoping he remembered, he merely rolled his eyes at her.

Following Yasha the two looked at the other's approaching, neither of them reacted, they were defiantly friends of Yasha's and as they came close the two recognized Yasbi instantly. Teival nuzzled back while Izybel tried to stay balance before deciding to sit down. Neither sibling had the chance to greet their sister as their attention was drawn to Kardei, both weren't bothered by him as much as Yasbi seemed to be.

"Deimus and Karenza? I don't suppose they're still around?" Teival asked, not really caring just out of curiosity really. If they weren't around he wondered what happened to the members of their family, and home, did a Kain take over or had they just fallen off the face of the earth completely.

[LAD]

Yasha, Kardei, Yasbi.

Yasha chuckled at their response. She could honestly say meeting these two were on much more pleasant terms than when she had rejoiced with Yasbi and Jericho. "Sounds like a heck of a time, and I'm sure it wasn't all too bad." She responded, her voice slightly teasing, at last after everything had settled down, then she sighed at Teival's question, Yasbi sat down between her two siblings, keeping contact with them each as she waited for ma's reply. Kardei was the one whom spoke first, his voice deep yet soft. "I haven't seen my mother or father since after everyone went their own ways. I hung around here a lot, hoping you could say, never did see them again though."

Yasha honestly pitied the kid. Here she was rejoicing in a reunion and he still hadn't met any of his family, but her gaze slid to Yasbi, and she flicked her tail for her to speak. Yasbi scrunched her nose in reply then sighed. "You might not find your parents, but I know where your sister is." Kardei's gaze snapped to Yasbi and she swallowed before speaking more. "Yixbi, Jericho and I found Najisi leading a pride - called La amorte. She's recently mated with the Donovan that leads with her. Slaughter is there too, as well as Time if you remember them. And a family from Karenza's side, Lothaire. Umm, who else.. I think that covers the majority of it. Oh! You're also an uncle of many Kardei." She honestly felt a tad nervous speaking to him basically straight on, especially from their encounter, but she was also informing her siblings of her life. She briefly wondered if she should have told them why Jericho wasn't here, but decided against it. They could ask if they were furious but she didn't want to bring it up.

Kardei blinked. So he still had family after all. And Najisi was leading of all things? It surprised him, really. But he supposed it wasn't a bad thing either. He sat down with the family, he would stick around and gather what information he could before he made a decision. Besides he was curious about these two new creatures, Yasha's kids. He really didn't remember them at all.

[ashbaer]

Izybel & Teival

Taking in the information the two were quiet, listening to Yasbi list off some names that, if they didn't sound familiar to Teival then they sure did to Izybel who actually had an opinion on all of this new found information. Running her tongue over her muzzle she hissed at the thought of Najisi running a pride. Last she remembered Deimus didn't care much for the runt, for the life of her Izybel couldn't remember if Deimus ever bothered with the Donovan's either.

"Sounds like a waste of space if you ask me," she spit out after a moment, Izybel had never been loyal to Deimus, hell she pretty much hated him growing up. "Out of all the spawns they bred it's Najisi leading after him, I personally don't agree, why didn't you take over Mother, you were his second after all."

Teival was curious too, he didn't remember much but Izybel had done her best to make sure he was educated on their journeys, he knew how the pride had been run and that his mother was Second in Command which meant if anything happened to Deimus she was in charge. He frowned a bit, agreeing with Izybel, their mother should have taken charge, not that he knew Najisi personally at all besides the fact that she was his half sister and that sort of irritated him. The fact that Deimus bred for the sake of breeding irritated him, truth be told Teival wished he'd been born from Bixbi and Yasha. Izybel had always been fond of her father and Teival was jealous of that one little difference they had.

"Where are the rest? Yixbi and Jericho?" Teival asked, pulling his thoughts from pride structures, and business, he wasn't a pride member nor a heir to a throne so he shouldn't care, but something tickled his mind continuously even though he had pushed on to change the topic.

[LAD]

Yasha, Kardei, & Yasbi

Yasha's lips twitched into a smirk at the blatant want of their mother having lead. She gave a small snort at her two kids and tilted her head when Teival spoke. Eyes flicked to Yasbi when she flinched however. Kardei held his thoughts to himself. No need to try and speak out against the family in support of their own mother. At least he could say he was... What? Glad? Too strong of a word perhaps, but at least his sister was making something of herself. Remaining quiet he turned his head to look at the horizon, one ear still facing them to listen in.

Yasha reached a paw up to ruffle Yasbi's mane. "Perhaps I should have taken charge and maybe one day I will begin a pride or clan of my own. For now though, I enjoy the peace." Yasbi snorted loudly at this and Yasha gave her a look. "Okay, so I took up a job teaching little brats how to live." She huffed, and the law previously on Yasbi's head cuffed the young 'ess over the ear.

"Hey! Don't do that its not my fault your dealing with them." She teased, then turned to Teival, "Yixbi joined with me, but he wanders around a lot. I swear he's keeping an eye out from a distance though. As for Jericho..." Yasbi trailed off again and directed her gaze to the ground.

Yasha took over once more. "As for Jericho, he landed himself in a mission for La Morte. Last we saw of him was in battle against him while he was undercover in Meurtrier. We haven't the slightest idea what's going on with him or if he's alive - and he doesn't know where to find them. Part of me is hoping he comes through here. And Kardei has been gracious enough to grant me company while I wait for him." She finished, and the dark male merely gave a shrug, still not looking at them. Yasbi dug her claws into the ground though, it still upset her truth be told, and Yasha could tell it did. In a way it upset her too. If she lost her baby from this mission she would be pissed there was no doubt about that.

[ashbaer]

Izybel & Teival

Their mother was a teacher? It seemed fitting but not something they had pictured the female doing her life. Izybel wondered if she tormented them with scary stories of dark demons smelling of nothing but rotting flesh and blood. Or maybe she had turned into a gentle teacher with soft spoken words and encouragement. That thought made Izybel snort and shake her head, what had happened here was upsetting and for once she actually wished for that big headed demon they called a leader to come back and bring some order to this mess.

Teival was all ears when they mentioned Jericho, his twin, they probably didn't look much a like now but that bond was still there. The whole talk about prides and missions woken a fire deep in Teival's stomach, was this what he was missing out on? While he traveled the land with his crazy sister, his brother's were fighting in wars. He'd missed out on so much that it pained him just the slightest not that he let it show on his face."Where does the family reside now? Here or are we just scattered where ever?" Teival's question was deep, serious, by the looks of it everyone was scattered that irritated him. The family needed to stay close together, separation would only lead to lies, treachery and murder among them all.

Next to him Izybel could feel the change in her brother, she shifted herself, standing Izybel kept her eyes on his face that twisted into a snarl that reminded her of his biological father."Teival, " She spoke softly, the same voice she used when he was younger and afraid, a young boy who needed comforting, but he wasn't so young anymore, no Teival was a grown male who's anger was starting to slip through the cracks.

"Deimus leaves and everyone scatters, was he the back bone to this pride?" His eyes cut through the group of them, he was visibly upset now, one because he had believed the pride would still be here, that fresh blood would be painted on the stone and death would be strong in the air. "I find this all very sad, the family is scattered, we returned to a home that is nothing more then a graveyard hosting memories. And the only Kain making a move is next to a Donovan, poor old Deimus must be rolling in his grave as we speak."

Fuming Teival set to moving around, he wasn't sure what had really set his tongue to say such things, maybe it was fact he'd been away from home so long, or perhaps the old dead sire was speaking to him from beyond. What ever the reason it was clear the male was bothered by the situation, deep down he had been hungry to return to a pride and get his paws dirty the proper way. The male moved from the circle, making his way up the stone platform to look around, looking down on the family then up at the den tier. His mind was thinking of impossible challenge, only one question lingered on his mind, if I don't make a change who will.

[LAD]

Kardei, Yasha, Yasbi

Kardei stood, lips curling into a frown. "You speak of everyone having scattered yet you left as well as the others." Kardei tilted his head toward Yasha, "And you indirectly insult your mother." He glanced at the small feline, "Is this a natural thing among your family?" He was honestly curious, his tone wasn't condescending, but really, he knew his own mother would have his tongue if he spoke out against her so.

However Yasha merely flicked her tail for silence. She did not stand, merely watched with a cold amber gaze. "What my children decide to do is none of my business unless I decide to start a pride if my own to call you all back. As surprising as it is, Najisi at least makes a name for herself, and I'm sure we all needed a small break to gather our own wits when things fell apart. Don't think I haven't thought of starting a pride or clan of my own, especially when I miss my children and the way things were.

"However before I even caught wiff of one of my kids even being alive, I had been searching on vague hopes. And," Yasha paused, a dark scowl coming across her face. "And trust me when I say this generation is far more annoying and prissy to the sight of blood and it is beyond aggravating. Kids these days know nothing of war, of battle. Their tact disgusts me and they are weak in my eyes." Yasha stood now and stretched. "Let alone that the first wind I caught of any of my kids was the start of Najisi's pride, where Yasbi, Jericho, and Yixbi had already agreed to help damage Meurtrier. Ansbi heard nothing of any other until today upon your return. Do not think that I have been sitting back idly, when instead while I wait to see signs of my children and wait for that war to be nearing its end, I have been thinking of ways to make a name for myself and see who could even bother to stand up to what we once were - and believe me, you, the odds are not in our favor." She eyed Teival for a moment, then looked to Izy. "And since I do believe we've waited long enough anyway, what happened to your paw first off." She was still a mother.

Yasbi had opened her mouth to say something when Kardei has beaten her to it, and then Yasha began speaking. When shed finished Yasbi took note of Izy's hurt paw at last, blinking mildly before she half hmm'd. "Might I also add that in the interest of doing /something/ La Morte is where we went, but in all honesty over the years I have not seen much of our other siblings." She looked between Izy and Teival, "So yes, we have all scattered. And now we our reforming."

[ashbaer]

Izybel & Teival

Teival's eyes darted at Kardei, who was he to speak up, just a runt left on his own with no siblings, one sibling living the throne life, and he would have to be foolish to think he, Teival, would take on the role of being his half brother. Lips curled back irritably at his words, Kardei knew nothing of his travels, nor did he know anything about the battles he fought on his own. Did they forget he was younger then Izybel, he was forced to grow up quickly and to carry his half deranged sister around. He left because of family, no one was there for Izybel, expect Yasha but in those times not even Izybel wanted her help.

The male kept his tongue inside of his mouth, he would have to ignore Kardei, he was no interest to Teival, if not for Yasha's never ending loyalty to the Kain line he would have been eaten already. "At least I have a family," the words were barely whispered, a childish remark, one he wanted to hit home. Lowering his head the ebony male looked at Izy who watched him with a secret understanding in her eyes. They had been through a lot, to much for anyone to understand, they both carried guilt for each other and had yet to apologize to one another.

The two of them listened to their mother, ears flicking back and eyes dropping, Teival snorted with slight irritation as he looked away completely. So is views were a little wrong, everyone had done what they had thought best in the falling of their pride. It might not be what Teival had wanted to come home to, but it seemed to be alright with everyone else. Deep down he knew his frustration wasn't aimed at pride matters, it was the fact that home wasn't home anymore. He had dreamed of coming back to the pride, grown and able, challenge the old man maybe, or even just to have a grand title. Huffing he looked back at Yasha as she asked the dreaded question.

"It was an accident," the female's voice was quieted, she really didn't want to have this conversation, she didn't want to replay it. Even so her mind flashed to dark memories and the faint whisper of her name could be heard somewhere in a dark corner.

Teival, who was already burning with his own 'demon' spun his head to the group, he snapped his jaws at Izy before coming down the platform to be back at her side. "Hazar, my deranged half brother, I might as well call him, greeted us a few times on our journey, " his deep voice was lethal, filled with disgust as he raked his sister with a look she despised with every fiber in her body. "A few full moons ago, he finally decided to stay awhile, show us how to enjoy our freedom. He wanted to have a good time didn't he Izy, remember the rogues we mentioned, all murdered one night."

Izybel flinched she really did hate this story, but she knew Teival could tell it better then she could, she was still afraid of her own shadow these days. While he told the story her eyes didn't leave the ground and her swollen paw, there had been more done to her, but the fur had grown over those scars and only the paw remained. "I warned him to stop Mother, he wouldn't listen, so I attacked him... them. Wasn't until I made Izybel bleed as much as those rogues that he finally gave up and silenced himself. It's why we're here, if we don't get this situated I won't hesitate to kill her."

He was deathly serious. Izybel knew this. Though Teival had been able to push the demon back, he had suffered almost as much as she had, another fight would kill them both, and she couldn't live with that, she already took her brother's childhood no need to take his life. "You should be proud of Teival Mother, he's grown a lot in our absence, as much as he hates it I think he takes after the big headed demon king himself" Izybel cut the tension with a joke, nudging her brother who ran his chin along the top of her head then gave her ear a quick nip. "I do not."

[LAD]

Yasha, Kardei, Yasbi

Considering how close they had been to one another, all three felines heard the comment. Yasbi pretended to not have, however, and Yasha found herself raising a brow at the statement. "Be happy you are here now Teival, and that we are gathering." Yasbi said gently. Kardei found himself bristling, but Yasha stood in his way, and as soon as Teival returned to Izy's side, she flicked a paw at his ear, intending to gently cuff it.

Then she listened intently, eyes sharp as she looked them both over. Now she scrutinized them, being silent for a long moment as she took in the nearly hidden scars and such. A soft 'hmm' escaped her as the oldest feline of the bunch straightened, and she circled her two returned cubs once, slowly, before pausing in front of them once more. At last she spoke, "I am proud of Teival. If he stopped Hazar, which is no easy feat, then," She turned her bright gaze towards her son, "You have my gratitude, and do not doubt that I am very proud of you." Then she paused and looked at Izyebel once more, tilting her head slightly.

Yasbi nearly flinched. She knew her mother was assessing her sister. And she knew what was to come for poor Izy. She herself had been through it multiple times, and Jericho had very nearly gone through the same thing with her once before. Her jaw clenched at the memories. Why did the female Demi's have it so hard? Looking back at Yasha with her matching bright amber gaze, Yasbi watched her mother intently. What would Yasha do was the main thing.

It was a long wait before Yasha addressed Izy, but Yasha dipped her head. "You are my daughter and I will not allow you to become a rogue if I can help it." Another pause. "However, unlike last time, you will have to listen to me. I can't help you unless you want to be helped, Izy, and I won't force you either. You have to make this decision on your own. Just as Yasbi did, and just as any of your sisters or daughters or nieces will have to when they come around. God forbid if I find any daughter or son of mine a rogue, though." She muttered the last part, still loud enough to be heard, then refocused her attention. "So what say you, Izyebel. Will you let me help you."

Yasbi swallowed, eyes widening slightly. Her mother had definitely changed attitudes toward her kids, but it was surprising. After all, she hadn't expected her mother to so vehemently protect her when they'd been fighting Meurtrier. But her gaze turned to Izy. The decision really was up to her, and Yasbi was really curious about it. After all, Demi's weren't exactly as popular as they had once been. Both of the feline's inner demons had remained silent through out this though - it was a family issue, and they would not influence the decision cast upon them all.

Kardei merely turned his gaze away once more, forcing his fur to lie flat and to ignore the boy just as much as the boy was now semi-ignoring him. However once more, an ear remained perked in their direction. He wouldn't deny that he was curious about their bloodline.

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[ashbaer]

Izybel & Teival

The siblings were silent as their mother spoke, her words directed to Izybel leaving Teival to stand silently with a frown on his face, why would she leave the decision up to Izybel knowing perfectly well she had refused years ago. Teival had made them return for help, he had even told his sister dead in the eye that he would kill her without hesitation if she didn't get help. No sibling of his would be put through such a lifestyle, there was no way, and his seriousness had frightened Izybel that day, he knew it, so he hoped she would remember their conversation.

It took a moment, Izybel had never taken well to being told things, it had been hard enough for her to make the journey back home with her younger brother snapping at her. Of course she didn't want to die, and she would have to agree with Teival on the matter, she would rather be dead then be someone's puppet. With a heavy sigh she nodded, there went her freedom in a way, she would be at her mother's mercy. At least in some time she would be back in control of herself and Hazar would finally be her puppet."Do not think me so easy Izybel," It was a whisper of a hiss, the voice deep and thick with the poison that haunted her dreams. Her claws inched out in irritation at his sudden presence. "I'm your student once again."

That was all Teival needed to hear, with a grin on his face his whole demeanor changed as his ears flicked forward and each muscle lost their tension. He gave a shove at Yasbi before trotting up to Yasha to lounge his large body against her side, followed by a nip at her ear. He would move quickly from his mother back to Yasbi so he could paw and snap playfully at her tail. Before either females could react though he bounced away across the grass, flopping on the lush growth making his dirty coat even more filthy. "I'm starved! Let's go hunt!"

Izybel rolled her eyes at the brute, he was to big to be acting like a cub, he always did that, one minute he looked ready to murder someone, the next he just wanted to catch fireflies and sleep under the moon. She was grateful to be home, now he could torment the others and leave her be, she had enough of the ear tugging, tail chewing fun. "Food? Really Teival, after all that you just want to move and go get food?"

The male, who was now on his back mind you, rolling and scratching at it with paws in the air, looked back at the group seeing them all from an upside down state. "Well... Yea. Growing boys gotta eat." Was his simple answer before he got up to shake his body of debris, twigs had found their way into his crimson hair and Izybel could only shake her head in defeat.

[LAD]

Yasha stared her cubs down for a moment as she waited for Izyebel to speak her decision. She knew before that Izy has rejected that help, and she had heard their story, but she needed to hear Izy say it. Alas Izy did give her consent, and a soft smile crossed Yasha's face once more. But before she could open her mouth to say a response Teival has brushed against Yasbi and went and nipped her own ear. She didn't even get the chance to respond to him as he dashed back to Yasbi and batted at her tail like a cub and Yasha laughed. Her ears flicked and her tail lashed but she walked over to Teival and ruffled his mane when he stood back up. "Food is a good idea for us all. But you two need to rest. You've only just gotten here after all." She told them.

But Yasha couldn't help but look at Teival and remember Jericho and how they had been as cubs, and she saw that part of him still very much intact and it pleased her that one of her babies was not so corrupted by darkness. That one of them could still have fun and she wondered what had happened to Jericho to make him become so serious.

Yasbi on the other hand, watched wide eyed for a moment, yipping softly when her tail was nipped and she yanked it away with a surprised laugh. Her gaze turned to Izy and she cocked her head, "Is he always like that?" She asked her sister, amusement prickling from her pelt.

Kardei snorted semi-loudly. "Do tell me he's actually a grown male." He inquired, his voice deep, tone calm as he watched Teival turn to a very cubbish nature in disbelief.

[ashbaer]

Izybel & Teival

A frown covered Teival's face, more of a pout in Izybel's eyes, he was a little hurt that his mother said they should rest, he understand her of course but inside the male felt he had to catch up, show off his abilities to her. She hadn't seen him in so long, and had missed out on some important life lessons she could have taught her son. Though, they had no plans to leave anytime soon, so he supposed they could catch up later.

"Alright, tomorrow though breakfast is on me," he grinned at Yasha, he was feeling better, and his true nature was shining through, nuzzling his mother once he trotted off to lay next to Izybel, leaning his side into her. He yawned once then laid his head on his paws, eyes still open and aware, it was clear though that he wouldn't be awake much longer.

Izybel laughed at her sister's question and nodded, nudging the big oaf that had joined the,"Always. He has his moments, Teival here doesn't like taking the serious route in life, he can when it's needed but I've learned that he's more fun when he's like this."

So true. She had learned that her brother, who was a spawn of probably the two worse combinations in demon history, was a playful, fun loving male who could frolic with a pack of cubs over brawling for a female. At times she wondered if Teival even cared about the opposite gender, or the same really, he hadn't shown interest in anyone in their travels, not even the rogues that had swooned over him. "He's just a big cub, we should be happy Deimus's gene's didn't take full effect."

Teival huffed and grumbled something at the mention of Deimus, a topic he wasn't so fond of, it was enough for Izybel to drop it and look to Kardei as he asked a question. She glared at him, he had no right to judge Teival, he was no body to them as of yet and she wouldn't stand for it. She had to count silently in her head from not lashing out at him, it would take awhile for them all to not be chewing on each others tail. Teival, who had heard Kardei simply rolled over, back to them and his eyes closed.

"We all grow up pretty fast living the lives we do, being who we are, the children of our parents. We never asked to be raised in a pride of blood and death, nor do we ask for the voices in our heads Kardei," maybe it was the fact that she was tired that she was talking as if she were a philosopher, or even like her mother, she didn't owe an explanation to anyone, but for some reason she wanted people to understand Teival, because he was a rare gem. "I never asked Teival to grow up on our journays, he chose to do that on his own, and it's a shame because no cub should be robbed of their youth. Teival is free to be who wants, regardless of family or the turmoil that this family is dealt.-"

"And I do what ever the hell I want, geez Izybel, you talk to much," the male cut in with a huff, rolling over onto his back so he could shove a paw in her face to silence her. While she faked gnawing on his paw he turned his eyes on his half brother, he wasn't ready to call him a brother yet. "What Izy is getting at is, we're free to be who we want, I act like this because it makes everyone laugh, they aren't so uptight anymore and they relax. I like when we smile and laugh, but don't let it fool you, I'm badass cat that can't be messed with." He laughed as Izybel stuck her tongue between the pads of his paw, tickling the sensitive skin. With that Teival pushed away from his sister to stretch out some more on the grass, another yawn and he laid his head down, tail sweeping back and forth casually. Izybel only smiled as she could see his breathing relax and could tell he was slowly getting ready to fall asleep.